Lighthouses hold a special place in our collective psyche. Though they are simply beacons and markers, their sight brings to mind romanticized images from the past. Situated along the frontiers of the world of people, they mark out the borders of the wild and unpredictable world at large. In the days of yore before satellite imaging, sonar mapping and very accurate charts, lighthouses were essential to safe passage for all vessels. Close to home, here in South Florida, the chain of islands and reefs bordering on the Gulf Stream, our “Florida Keys” proved treacherous for western powers shipping New World loot and treasures and there are still many wrecks lining the sea bottom all the way up to the Carolinas (the Graveyard of the Atlantic!)

Days gone by – the simple beauty of Ektachrome slide film! Alligator Light from the summer of 1982.

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Kayaking out to Alligator Light is relatively easy, just realize that it is 4 miles offshore and ALL in open water, with NOplace to get out!! Prepare ahead of time by studying the marine forecast and weather patterns. You want to be confident of at least two things .. light winds with calm seas, AND very low forecast probability for lightning storms! This means launching as early as possible from Indian Key fill, right off US1 – there is plenty of free parking. Just make sure you don’t park in any private lots, even if they appear to be empty (like the Papa Joe’s Marina property – DO NOT park there) !!

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Launch of the Mojito on the bay side from Indian Key fill.Stick close to shore – this is a part of the intracoastal waterway!

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A Sit-on-Top kayak is a great choice for this trip because reef below the lighthouse is a great place for extended shallow water snorkeling! It should take you about 45 minutes to an hour or so to paddle out. Do not tie off to the lighthouse structure! Instead, bring a small sand anchor and some line to daisy chain several kayaks together if needed.

Be sure to anchor in the sand NOT on top of the reef itself!

I would actually discourage anyone from paddling out there solo, unless you know exactly what you’re doing and have left a float plan with someone who cares about your well being. The reason being the combination of open water and unpredictable weather – you don’t want to be there all by yourself if something were to happen. It’s more fun to be a part of a small group anyway. Meetup groups like the Miami Kayak Club and others organize group trips from time to time.

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Paddling out to Alligator Light in the early AM.

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Remember that this is an 8 to 10 mile round trip – ALL in open water, with NO possibility of getting out anywhere. Plan accordingly and paddle within your limitations and the weather conditions!!

Be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated!!

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MOJITO kayak does the ALLIGATOR!

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For this trip I chose the “Mojito”, an RTM Disco sit on top kayak. This is probably the nicest handling inexpensive plastic kayak for paddlers under 175 lbs. Granted, it’s a very wet ride, but this is actually a plus in the tropical heat. With the addition of thigh straps, it responds much like a proper sea kayak and is great to learn and practice kayaking and rescue skills. It’s also easy to roll and an excellent surf/play boat for South Florida waters!

Astute readers will note the use of a wing paddle. This is my favorite combination for paddling the Mojito! 🙂

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Flex Kayakfari on the MOJITO!

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The turquoise water is very clear and there’s lots of fish and coral to observe. In the summer the shallow waters of Alligator Reef are quite warm. You can snorkel for hours if you like, so be sure to bring your mask, fins & snorkel!

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Above & Below: Alligator Light & Reef

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Please be careful NOT to step on coral heads and DO NOT touch the encrusted RUSTY steel frame of the old lighthouse!!

Please remember: DO NOT step on or touch any coral!!

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Family friendly party atmosphere surrounds the lighthouse!

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Our kayaks daisy chain anchored off Alligator Light Reef.

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Fortuitously, on the particular day of our trip, the “doors were open” so to speak and some folks were climbing up on top, so we took advantage and followed suit. I don’t believe this is normally the case, but I was not going to argue with opportunity, and the view from the top is truly spectacular! It felt almost impossible to take in enough of the beautiful blue-green aqua hues of the sky and clear waters below!!

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Alligator Light tower steps .. slowly rusting since 1873.

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Closeup of rusty tower steps.. they look like burnt crackers.

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I bet the lighthouse keeper led a very chill life and must have been in great shape to climb the tower steps all the time! Surely it must have been quite an experience to ride out a storm on it! This lighthouse and the keeper did in fact ride out and survive the infamous Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 which was the strongest hurricane ever to hit the US with winds up to 200 mph. Although the glass and the original fresnel lens were destroyed, the lighthouse itself fared well, a testament to it’s construction and design!

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Looking straight down from the top of Alligator Lighthouse.

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Outstanding panoramic view from the top of Alligator Light!

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360 spin around aerial view from the top of Alligator Lighthouse. CLICK for interactive panorama!

Larry is also the originator of the annual Open Water Swim for Alligator Lighthouse event, which now draws hundreds of eager swimmers sometimes including Olympic class talent. Larry was incidentally the first person to brave and complete the nine mile open water swim!

Beacon apparatus imported from New Zealand! Removed in the summer of 2015.

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Up until 2015, this modern setup was solar powered and ran off a bank of batteries.

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Modern navigation beacon on Alligator Light circa 2012. Since removed, summer of 2015.

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Back when I was a kid in the 80’s, it still had a real classic Fresnel Lens. I remember being very impressed by this very large classic glass lens and took a picture. I just recently found this slide of it from July 1982! 🙂

Standing on nearly 140 years old steel decking on the top of Alligator Lighthouse.

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Remember that this is an 8 to 10 mile round trip – ALL in open water, with NO possibility of getting out anywhere. Plan accordingly and paddle within your limitations and the weather conditions!!

Be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated!!

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Miami paddler and adventurer Leah demonstrates the “Balance Brace” in the shallows off Indian Key.

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On your return back to land, you can stop by and check out historicIndian Key which is right there along the route!

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A paddler makes landing on nearby Indian Key.

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Satellite view: It’s a direct straight shot there & back in a kayak!

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Proximity of other Keys to Alligator Reef Light.

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Satellite view of section of Alligator Reef.

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Satellite view of Alligator Light.

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Enjoy!

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CLICK for story:Paddling for Jesus in the Florida Keys dive country!

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To learn more about Florida Bay and the Keys, I can recommend this informative and beautifully done book. There is a wealth of information inside along with incredible images by internationally recognized and top local Everglades photographers. If you like Florida Bay and the Keys, you will LOVE this book!

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DISCLAIMER:: The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!